How to Protect Kitchen Cabinets: Essential Tips for Longevity

Cabinets are an important element of your kitchen space. They are essential for holding items, reducing clutter, and keeping the place tidy; they also play a key part in the overall look and design of your kitchen. 

However, quality kitchen cabinet doors at a reasonable price point can be hard to find. Oftentimes, new cabinets come with a fairly high price tag, making it essential that you make them last for as long as possible. 

To help with this endeavor, we’ve put together some tips to help your cabinets last longer. These will keep your kitchen looking super chic and allow you to make the most of your investment.

Clean Your Cabinets Regularly

It may seem obvious, but one of the easiest ways to protect and extend the lifespan of your cabinets is to give them a good clean on a regular basis. Kitchens can get grimy and greasy over time from cooking. This residue can build up on the front of your cabinets, leaving a film that makes the finish look tired and grubby. 

Take a bowl of warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, and allocate some time to thoroughly clean your cabinets on a regular basis. Start by removing everything from the inside of the cabinets and carefully wipe down the doors and handles. 

When you have removed all the dirt and grime, finish by wiping the surface with a soft cloth to create a clean, smooth finish. Knowing how to paint kitchen cabinet doors can also be helpful because you can touch them up with a lick of paint to keep them looking their best.

Identify High-Traffic Areas

There are certain areas of your kitchen that will get more traffic than others, and this means that they will incur greater wear and tear. Determining the best possible kitchen cabinet door swing direction for your kitchen can help prevent this. 

The cabinets located around the dishwasher, stove, and cutlery drawers will likely get grubby more quickly than other areas. Getting into the habit of cleaning these areas regularly will keep your cabinets looking and feeling their best.

Remove Grease Properly

Grease is another common enemy in the kitchen–it is important to know how to remove it to prevent long-term stains and marks on your cabinets. Liquid fabric softener is a little-known secret weapon in this battle. Simply add some liquid fabric softener to warm water, and use some paper towels to gently remove any stains. This will remove the grease and has the added bonus of acting as a dust repellent.

Another alternative is using rubbing alcohol, which can remove stubborn grease stains and dust that are difficult to get rid of. Add a few drops to a damp cloth, and then gently rub the surface in small circles. Once you have mopped up the grease, use a second damp cloth to go over the area again and then dry with a third cloth.

Take Care of Those Stubborn Stains

Kitchen cabinets attract stains. Baking soda is a simple solution and a great way to remove stains. It can be used as a paste by simply combining the baking soda with a few drops of water and then applying it to the dirty surface. Be gentle with this solution because it is abrasive and may cause damage to the paint if you’re not careful.

Maintain Your Hardware

Regularly cleaning cabinets is a key priority, but it is not the only area you need to keep an eye on. It is also important to regularly maintain and take good care of the hardware on your cabinets. 

This includes handles and hinges, which should be cleaned and lubricated to ensure that they always work smoothly. You should also take some time to make sure handles are tight and secure, so your cabinet is functional at all times.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

There are a number of gentle, natural solutions that you can use to clean your cabinets and leave them sparkling. Try to reduce or eliminate the use of harsh chemicals when cleaning your cabinets. These often contain ingredients that can strip or damage the paint, leaving your cabinets streaky or with peeling paint and finishes.

Control Humidity

Kitchens are often quite humid. Too much humidity can cause issues with your cabinets, resulting in peeling paint and, in some cases, warping. It is worth investing in a quality dehumidifier to reduce this risk, which will also help keep the rest of your home feeling more comfortable and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.

In Conclusion

Taking good care of your cabinets will help them last longer. This is crucial for preserving your hard-earned cash, as well as ensuring that your kitchen looks and feels its best for many years to come!